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WM3945ABG
User Manual
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Dell WM3945ABG User Manual

Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection User Guide
With your wireless network card, you can access wireless networks, share files or printers, or even share your Internet connection. All of these features can be explored with a wireless network in your home or office. This wireless local area network (WLAN) solution is designed for both home and business use. Additional users and features can be added as your networking needs grow and change.
802.1x network authentication.
NOTE: The software is compatible with the Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Network Connection and the Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection.
Table of Contents
● Use Intel PROSet/Wireless Software
● Connect to a Network
● Use Profiles
● Set up Security
● Troubleshooting
● Administrator Tool
● Glossary
● Wireless Network Overview
● Security Overview
● Specifications
● Customer Support
● Safety and Regulatory Information
● Warranty
● Adapter Registration
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. © 2004–2005 Intel Corporation. All rights reserved. Intel Corporation, 5200 N.E. Elam Young Parkway, Hillsboro, OR 97124-6497 USA
The copying or reproducing of any material in this document in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Intel Corporation is strictly forbidden. Intel(R) is a trademark or registered trademark of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Intel disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
*Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
Intel Corporation assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in this document. Nor does Intel make any commitment to update the information contained herein.
"Important Notice FOR ALL USERS OR DISTRIBUTORS!!!!
Intel wireless LAN adapters are engineered, manufactured, tested, and quality checked to ensure that they meet all necessary local and governmental regulatory agency requirements for the regions that they are designated and/or marked to ship into. Since wireless LANs
are generally unlicensed devices that share spectrum with radars, satellites, and other licensed and unlicensed devices, it is sometimes necessary to dynamically detect, avoid, and limit usage to avoid interference with these devices. In many instances Intel is required to provide test data to prove regional and local compliance to regional and governmental regulations before certification or approval to use the product is granted. Intel's wireless LAN's EEPROM, firmware, and software driver are designed to carefully control parameters that affect radio operation and to ensure electromagnetic compliance (EMC). These parameters include, without limitation, RF power, spectrum usage, channel scanning, and human exposure.
For these reasons Intel cannot permit any manipulation by third parties of the software provided in binary format with the wireless WLAN adapters (e.g., the EEPROM and firmware). Furthermore, if you use any patches, utilities, or code with the Intel wireless LAN adapters that have been manipulated by an unauthorized party (i.e., patches, utilities, or code (including open source code modifications) which have not been validated by Intel), (i) you will be solely responsible for ensuring the regulatory compliance of the products, (ii) Intel will bear no liability, under any theory of liability for any issues associated with the modified products, including without limitation, claims under the warranty and/or issues arising from regulatory non-compliance, and (iii) Intel will not provide or be required to assist in providing support to any third parties for such modified products.
Note: Many regulatory agencies consider Wireless LAN adapters to be "modules", and accordingly, condition system-level regulatory approval upon receipt and review of test data documenting that the antennas and system configuration do not cause the EMC and radio operation to be non-compliant."
July 2005
Back to Contents
Use Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless Software: Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection User Guide
● Use Intel PROSet/Wireless as your Wireless Manager
● Start Intel PROSet/Wireless
● Start Intel PROSet/Wireless from the Taskbar ❍ Taskbar Icons ❍ Tool Tips and Desktop Alerts
● Intel PROSet/Wireless Main Window ❍ Wireless Networks List ❍ Connection Status Icons ❍ Network Properties ❍ Connection Details ❍ Profiles List
● Intel PROSet/Wireless Menus
● Tools Menu ❍ Application Settings
❍ Intel Wireless Troubleshooter ❍ Administrator Tool
● Advanced Menu ❍ Adapter Settings
❍ Advanced Statistics ❍ Use Windows to manage Wi-Fi
● Profiles Menu ❍ Manage Profiles
❍ Import/Export ❍ Manage Exclusions
● Enable and Disable the Radio
● Install and Uninstall the Software
Use Intel PROSet/Wireless as your Wireless Manager
Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless is used to setup, edit and manage network profiles to connect to a network. It also includes advanced settings such as power management and channel selection for setting up ad­hoc networks.
If you use Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Wireless Zero Configuration as your wireless manager, you can disable it from the Microsoft Windows Wireless Network tab.
To disable Microsoft Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration as your wireless manager:
1. Double-click the Intel PROSet/Wireless icon in the desktop task tray or click Start > Settings > Control Panel.
2. Double-click Network Connections.
3. Right-click Wireless Network Connection.
4. Click Properties.
5. Click Wireless Networks.
6. Verify that the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings is not selected. If it is, clear it.
7. Click OK. This confirms that the Intel PROSet/Wireless utility is configured to manage your network profiles.
NOTE: Check that the Application Settings option Notify when another application uses the wireless adapter is selected. This option prompts you when Microsoft Windows
XP Wireless Zero Configuration starts to manage your network profiles.
Start Intel PROSet/Wireless
To start Intel PROSet/Wireless use one of the following methods:
● Click Start > Programs > Intel PROSet Wireless > Intel PROSet Wireless.
● Right-click the Taskbar icon located in the lower right corner of your Windows Desktop. Click
Open Intel PROSet/Wireless.
● Double-click the Taskbar icon to open Intel PROSet/Wireless.
Exit Intel PROSet/Wireless:
To close Intel PROSet/Wireless from the main window use one of the following:
● Select File > Exit from the main window.
● Click Close.
● Click the Close button (X) at the top right corner of the window.
Start Intel PROSet/Wireless from the Taskbar
To start Intel(R)PROSet/Wireless, double-click the Taskbar icon located in the lower right corner of your Windows desktop or right-click the Taskbar icon and click Open Intel PROSet/Wireless.
Taskbar Menu Options
The Intel PROSet/Wireless icon displays on the Taskbar located in the lower right corner of your Windows desktop. Right-click the status icon to display the menu options.
Menu Item Comments
Open Intel PROSet/Wireless
Open Wireless Zero Configuration
Click to start Intel PROSet/Wireless when Intel PROSet/Wireless is your wireless manager. If you select Use Windows to manage Wi-Fi from the Taskbar menu, the menu option changes to Open Wireless Zero Configuration and Microsoft Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Service is used as your wireless manager. When you use Microsoft Windows, you cannot use your Intel profiles.
Wireless On
Wireless Off
802.11a Radio Off
Open Intel Wireless Troubleshooter
If you have Intel PROSet/Wireless installed, the current state of the radio displays in the
PROSet/Wireless main window and on the
Taskbar. Select Wireless On to turn the radio on. Select Wireless Off to turn the radio off.
If your computer has an external switch installed, use it to switch the radio on or off. Refer to your computer manufacturer's documentation for more information about this switch.
This option is available only for wireless adapters that support 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g. Select to turn off the 802.11a radio.
NOTE: This setting is unavailable unless it is set in
Administrator Tool or if your adapter is an
the Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network
Connection. Opens an application that can assist you to resolve
wireless network connection issues. When a connection issue is detected, a desktop alert appears at the bottom right corner of your desktop. See
more information.
Intel Wireless Troubleshooter for
Intel
Connect to Profile Displays the current profiles in the Profile list.
Used also to connect to a profile.
Use Windows to manage Wi-Fi
Use Intel PROSet/Wireless to manage Wi-Fi
Toggles between the Intel PROSet/Wireless and Microsoft Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Service. When you use Microsoft Windows, you cannot use your Intel profiles.
Taskbar Icons
The Taskbar icon provides visual indication of the current wireless connection state. The connection status icon is located on the lower right corner of your Windows desktop. The Taskbar can be set to visible or not visible on the
Icon Description
Application Settings Tools menu.
Wireless Off: The wireless adapter is off. The wireless device does not transmit or receive while it is off. Click Wireless On to enable the adapter. The icon is white and static.
Searching for wireless networks: The wireless adapter searches for any available wireless networks. The icon is white with animation.
No wireless networks found: There are no available wireless networks found. Intel PROSet/Wireless periodically scans for available networks. If you want to force a scan, double-click the icon to launch Intel PROSet/Wireless and click
Refresh. The icon is red. Wireless network found: An available wireless network is
found. Double-click the icon to display the Wireless Networks list. Select the network. Click Connect. The icon is yellow.
Authentication failed. Unable to authenticate with wireless network. The icon is green with a yellow warning triangle.
Connecting to a wireless network. Flashes while an IP address is being obtained or an error occurs.
Connected to a wireless network: Connected to a wireless network. A Tool Tip displays network name, speed, signal quality and IP address. The icon is green with waves that reflect signal quality. The more waves, the better the signal quality.
Tool Tips and Desktop Alerts
The Tool Tips and Desktop Alerts provide feedback and interaction. To display Tool Tips, move your mouse pointer over the icon. Desktop alerts are displayed when your wireless network changes state. For example, if you are out of range of any wireless networks, a desktop alert is displayed when you come into range.
Select Show Information Notifications in the Application Settings to enable desktop alerts.
Tool Tips
Tool tips display when the mouse pointer rolls over the icon. The tool tips display text for each of the connection states.
Desktop Alerts
When user action is required, a desktop alert displays. If you click the alert, then an appropriate action is taken. For example when wireless networks are found, the following alert displays:
Tool Tip:
Intel PROSet/Wireless
Connected to a wireless network Wireless Network Name: Wireless Speed: 54.0 Mbps Signal Quality: Excellent IP Address: 192.168.1.103
Wireless networks found Action: Click the desktop alert to connect to the available network.
Desktop alerts are also used to indicate if there is a connection problem. Click the alert to open the
Intel Wireless Troubleshooter.
Intel PROSet/Wireless Main Window
The Intel PROSet/Wireless Main Window allows you to:
● View the current connection status (signal quality, speed and current network name).
● Scan for available wireless networks.
● Manage profiles.
● Auto-connect profiles to available networks in a specific order defined in the Profile list.
● Connect to Infrastructure and Device to Device (ad hoc) networks.
● Configure adapter settings.
● Troubleshoot wireless connection problems.
Use the Intel PROSet/Wireless to:
● View the current connection status (signal quality, speed and current network name).
● Scan for available wireless networks.
● Manage profiles.
● Auto-connect profiles to available networks in a specific order defined in the Profiles list.
● Connect to infrastructure and ad hoc networks.
● Configure adapter power settings.
Connection Status Icons
The Intel PROSet/Wireless main window displays connection status icons which indicate the current connection status of your wireless adapter. The Taskbar icon also indicates the current connection status. Refer to
Main Window Connection Status Description
The icons are used to designate connection status. The icons are used to designate connection status.
The icons are used to designate the connection status.
Taskbar Icons for more information.
Icon Description
Wireless Off: The radio is not associated to a network. Click the Wireless On
button to enable the radio.
The authentication process to connect to the network has not been started.
Searching for wireless networks: The wireless adapter is scanning for any available wireless networks.
Animated Icons:
No wireless networks found: The adapter does not find any wireless networks.
Wireless network found: An available wireless network is found. You can choose
to connect to available networks displayed in the
Wireless Networks list.
Network Name
Signal Quality
Connecting to a wireless network. You are connecting to a wireless network.
The crescent shaped curves switch between green and white until an IP Address is obtained or a connection error occurs.
Connected to a wireless network: You are connected to a wireless network. The network name, speed, signal quality, and IP address display the current connection status. Click the
Details button to display details of the current network
connection. Network Name (SSID): This is the name of the network that the adapter is
connected to. The Network Name SSID must be the same as the SSID of the access point.
The signal quality icon bars indicate the quality of the transmit and receive signals between your wireless adapter and the nearest access point or computer in Device to Device (ad hoc) mode. The number of vertical green bars indicates the strength of the transmit and receive signals.
The signal quality ranges from excellent to out of range. The following factors affect signal quality:
● Signal quality decreases with distance and is affected by metal and concrete
barriers.
● Metal objects can reflect signals and cause interference.
● Other electrical devices can cause interference.
Properties
Wireless On (Off)
Help? Close
Provides adapter connection status information. See Properties Button for information.
Switch the radio off and on. Refer to Turn Wireless On or Off for more information.
Provides help information for this page. Closes the Intel PROSet/Wireless main window.
Wireless Networks
The Wireless Networks list displays a list of wireless networks within range of the adapter.
Name Description
The signal strength of the wireless network access point or computer (Device to Device [ad hoc] mode). The signal strength icon bars indicate that the wireless network or computer is available for connection but is still not is associated with an access point or computer (Device to Device [ad hoc] mode).
Network Name
Status
Connect (Disconnect)
Properties
Refresh Refreshes the list of available networks. If any new networks are
Network Name (SSID): The name of the network that the adapter
is connected to. The Network Name SSID must be the same as the SSID of the access point.
Notification that the adapter is connecting to the wireless network. Once connected, the status is changed to Connected.
Profiles: Identifies a network in the Wireless Networks list that is connected and has a profile in the profiles list.
The wireless network uses Network (infrastructure) mode. The wireless network uses Device to Device (ad hoc) mode.
The wireless network uses Security encryption. The band frequency being used by the wireless network (802.11a,
802.11b, 802.11g). The wireless network is on the exclusion list. Connection to a network
or an access point that is on this list is not automatic. Click to connect to a wireless network. Once connected, the button
changes to Disconnect. Provides detailed information about the connected network and its
access points. See
available within the adapter range, the list is updated to show the new network name.
Network Properties for information.
Wireless On (Wireless Off)
Close Help?
Switch the radio off and on. Refer to Wireless Off (On) for more information.
Closes the Intel PROSet/Wireless main window. Provides help information for this page.
Network Properties
Click the Properties button on the Intel PROSet/Wireless main window to display the security settings for the wireless adapter. You can also add profiles to be excluded from automatic connection. If network exclusion is enabled (see
if the network is excluded from automatic connection.
Network Properties details
Name Description
Application Settings) then the Network Properties also indicates
Network Name
Displays the wireless network name.
Band
Operation Mode
Current band and frequency being used. Displays Out of Range if no band and frequency is displayed.
The following bands are listed:
● 802.11a
● 802.11b
● 802.11g
Displays the current operating mode:
● Network (Infrastructure)
A wireless network centered around an access point. In this environment, the access point not only provides communication with the wired network, but also mediates wireless network traffic in the immediate neighborhood.
● Device to Device (ad hoc)
A communication configuration in which every computer has the same capabilities, and any computer can initiate a communication session. Also known as a peer-to-peer network or a computer-to-computer network.
Authentication Level
Data Encryption
Displays the current authentication security mode for the profile being used.
The following network authentication levels are listed:
● None: No encryption used.
● Open
● Shared
● WPA-Enterprise
● WPA2-Enterprise
● WPA-Personal
● WPA2-Personal
● Unknown
Displays the 802.11 authentication used by the currently used profile. Refer to
Security Settings for more
information. The following Data Encryption settings are listed:
● None
● WEP
● TKIP
● CKIP
● AES-CCMP
Refer to Security Settings for more information.
Access Points in this Network (0-
50)
● Signal Strength: The Signal strength icon bars
indicate the strength of the transmit and receive signals in percent values between your wireless adapter and the nearest access point.
Indicates how well the wireless adapter communicates with an access point or another wireless computer in Device to Device (ad hoc) mode. Signal Quality ranges from Excellent to Out of Range.
● Displays 802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g. This icon
indicates the band being used.
● Channel: Displays the current transmit and receive
channel being used for a particular wireless network.
● BSSID (Infrastructure operating mode): Displays
the twelve digit MAC address of the access points of the selected network.
Manage Exclusions Close Help?
Refer to Manage Exclusions for more information. Closes the Network Properties.
Provides help information for this page.
Connection Details
When you are connected to a network, you can click the Details button on the Intel PROSet/Wireless main window to display the Connection Details.
Connection Details description
Name Description
Profile Name
Name of the profile.
Network Name IP Address Signal Quality
Signal Strength
Adapter MAC Address
Network Name (SSID) of the current connection. Internet Protocol (IP) address for the current connection. A radio frequency (RF) signal can be assessed by two components:
● signal strength (quantity)
● signal quality
The quality of the signal is determined by a combination of factors. Primarily it is composed of signal strength and the ratio of the RF noise present. RF noise occurs both naturally and artificially by electrical equipment. If the amount of the RF noise is high, or the signal strength is low, it results in a lower signal to noise ratio which causes poorer signal quality. With a low signal to noise ratio, it is difficult for the radio receiver to discern the data information contained in the signal from the noise itself.
While adequate signal strength is required for good data communications, even more important is the quality of the signal. A strong signal of poor quality results in poor data communications. If the signal quality is low, investigate sources of noise nearby, such as interference from other wireless LANs, other RF transmitters, electric motors or compressors. Also reflections of the signal by metallic or other objects in the area can result in poor signal quality.
Media Access Control (MAC) address for the wireless adapter.
Band
Supported Data Rates
Radio Frequency
Channel Number Network
Authentication
Indicates the wireless band of the current connection.
● 802.11a
● 802.11b
● 802.11g
Rates at which the wireless adapter can send and receive data. Displays the speed in Mbps for the frequency being used.
● 802.11g - 1, 2, 5.5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, and 54
● 802.11b - 1, 2, 5.5, and 11
● 802.11a - 6, 9, 11, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, and 54
Displays the frequency of the current wireless connection.
● 5.260 GHz
● 2.437 GHz
Displays the transmit and receive channel. Displays Open, Shared, WPA-Personal and WPA2-Personal modes, WPA-
Enterprise, and WPA2-Enterprise. Displays the 802.11 authentication used by the currently used profile. Refer to
Security Overview for more information.
Data Encryption Displays None, WEP, TKIP or AES-CCMP. Refer to Security Overview for more
information.
802.1x Authentication
Displays None, MD5, EAP-SIM, TLS, TTLS, PEAP, LEAP, or EAP-FAST. Refer to
Security Settings for more information.
Type
802.1x Authentication Protocol
Displays None, GTC, MS-CHAP-V2 or TLS. Refer to Security Settings for more information.
CCX Version Current TX
Power Supported Power
Levels Access Point MAC
Address Mandatory
Access Point
Repair
Close Help?
Version of the Cisco Compatible Extensions on this wireless connection. Cisco Compatible Extensions Power Levels.
1.0, 5.0, 20.0, 31.6, 50.1 mW
The Media Access Control (MAC) address for the associated access point.
Displays None, if not enabled. If enabled, from the Mandatory Access Point
setting, the access point MAC address is displayed. This option directs the
wireless adapter to connect to an access point that uses a specific MAC address (48-bit 12 hexadecimal digits, for example, 00:06:25:0E:9D:84).
Renews the IP Address. If you have trouble accessing the network, verify if the IP address is valid. If it is 0.0.0.0 or 169.x.x.x, then it is probably not valid. If your network is setup for automatic network address assignment, then click Repair and request a new IP address.
Closes the page. Provides help information for this page.
Profile Management
The Profiles List displays the current user profiles in the order that they are to be applied. Use the up and down arrows to arrange profiles in a specific order to automatically connect to a wireless network.
Use the Connect button to connect to a wireless network. Once connected, a profile is created in the Profiles list. You can also add, edit, and remove profiles from the Profiles 'list.
Different profiles can be configured for each wireless network. Profile settings can include, the network name (SSID), operating mode, and security settings. See
information.
Profile Management for more
Profiles list
Name Description Profile Name
Network Name Connection Icons: The network profile status icons indicate the different connection states of the
adapter with a wireless network, the type of operating mode being used, and whether network security is being used.
Network settings that allow your wireless adapter to connect to a network access point (infrastructure mode) or computer (Device to Device [ad hoc]) mode which does not use an access point. Refer to
up Profiles for more information.
Name of the wireless network (SSID) or computer.
Set
Blue circle: The wireless adapter is associated with an access point or computer (Device to Device [ad hoc] mode). If a profile has 802.1x security enabled, this indicates that the wireless adapter is associated and authenticated.
Indicates infrastructure mode. Indicates Device to Device (ad hoc) mode.
Indicates an Administrator profile. The wireless network uses Security encryption.
Arrows Position profiles in a preferred order for auto-connection.
● Up-arrow: Move the position of a selected profile up in the
Profiles list.
● Down-arrow: Move the position of a selected profile down in the
Profiles list.
Connect Add
Connect the selected profile for the wireless network. Use the Profile Wizard to create a new profile. Refer to Create a New
Profile for more information.
Remove Removes a selected profile from the Profile list. Refer to Delete a Profile
for more information.
Properties
Used to edit the contents of an existing profile. You can also double­click a profile in the Profile list to edit the profile. Refer to
Edit an
Existing Profile for more information.
Export/Import: Imports and exports user-based profiles to and from the Profile list. Wireless profiles can be automatically imported into the
Import and Export Profiles for more information.
Close
Profile list. See Closes the profile management window.
Intel PROSet/Wireless Menus
Use the File, Tools, Advanced, Profiles and Help menus to configure your network settings.
Name Description File
Exit: Close the Intel PROSet/Wireless main window.
Use one of these options to start the Intel PROSet/Wireless Software:
● Click Start > Programs > Intel PROSet Wireless > Intel
PROSet Wireless.
● Right-click the Taskbar icon located in the lower right corner of
your Windows Desktop, and click Open Intel PROSet/Wireless.
● Double-click the Taskbar icon to open Intel PROSet/Wireless.
Tools
Application Settings: Use to set system wide connection preferences.
Refer to
Application Settings for information. Use Ctrl+P from your
keyboard as an alternative to access this feature.
Intel Wireless Troubleshooter: Use to resolve wireless network connection problems. Use Ctrl+W from your keyboard as an alternative to access this feature. Refer to
Intel Wireless Troubleshooter for more
information.
Administrator Tool: Used by administrators or the person who has administrator privileges on this computer to configure shared profiles (Pre-logon, Persistent and Voice over IP (VoIP)). Refer to
Administrator Tool for more information. Use Ctrl+T from your keyboard as an
alternative to access this feature.
NOTE: The Administrator Tool is available only if it installed during a custom installation of the Intel PROSet/Wireless software. Refer to
Install or Uninstall the Software for more information on custom
installation.
Advanced
Profiles
Adapter Settings: Displays Adapter Settings which correlates to the
settings in the Microsoft Windows Advanced settings. Refer to
Adapter Settings for information. Use Ctrl+A from your keyboard as an
alternative to access this feature.
To access Adapter Settings from Microsoft Windows:
● Select Network Connections from the Windows Control Panel
● Right-click the Wireless Network Connection.
● Select Properties from the menu.
● Click Configure to display the Advanced settings for the adapter.
Advanced Statistics: Select to determine how the adapter communicates with an access point. Use Ctrl+S from your keyboard as an alternative to access this feature. Refer to
Advanced Statistics for
more information.
Use Windows to manage Wi-Fi: Select to enable Microsoft Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration as the wireless manager. Use F10 from your keyboard as an alternative to access this feature. Refer to
Switch to
Microsoft Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration for more information.
Manage Profiles: Select to create or edit profiles. Use Ctrl+R from your keyboard as an alternative to access this feature.
Manage Exclusions: Select to exclude networks from automatic connection. Refer to
Manage Exclusions for more information. Use
Ctrl+M from your keyboard as an alternative to access this feature.
Help
Intel PROSet/Wireless Help: Starts the online help. Use F1 from your
keyboard as an alternative to access this feature.
To navigate the help window:
● Press F6 to toggle between the left and right pane. Use the up and
down arrow as an alternative on your keyboard to move up and down within the pane.
● To view information, click Contents in the left-side pane or use
Alt+C on your keyboard as an alternative to access this feature.
● Double-click on a book icon to open a Contents' topic. Use the up
and down arrows to select a topic and press Enter as an alternative to open the sub-topics.
● Click Index or Search to look for a specific term. Use Alt+S on
your keyboard as an alternative to access the Search feature.
About: Displays version information for the currently installed application components.
Application Settings (Tools menu)
The settings on this page control the behavior of the Intel PROSet/Wireless software.
Application Settings description
Name Description
Adapter
Lists the network adapter that are currently available. It may be either an Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection, an Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Network Connection or, an Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection.
Advanced Settings: The following settings control how Intel PROSet/Wireless behaves and displays information.
Taskbar
Notifications
Show application icon on the taskbar: Select to display the Taskbar
status icon. This icon resides on the Windows Taskbar (Notification Area). This icon provides the status of your wireless connection. Clear to not display the Taskbar status icon.
The Taskbar Status Icon provides several functions:
● Visual feedback for the connection state and wireless activity of your
wireless network. The icon changes color and animation for different wireless activity. See
● Menu: A menu is displayed when you right click the icon. From this
Taskbar Icons for more information.
menu you perform tasks such as turn on or off the radio or launch the Intel PROSet/Wireless application. See
Taskbar Menu Options for
more information.
● Tool tips and desktop alerts. See:Tool Tips and Desktop Alerts for
more information.
Show Alert Notifications: Select to display desktop alerts next to the taskbar icon. When your action is required, a message displays. Only events of high importance trigger a desktop alert. If the desktop alert is selected, then the appropriate action is taken. Clear to not display desktop alerts. Refer to
Tool Tips and Desktop Alerts for more
information.
Select one of the following options:
Information Notifications: These desktop alerts are of lower importance. They do not require your interaction but can greatly improve the wireless experience.
● Show Information Notifications: Selected by default. All
informational desktop alerts are displayed next to the taskbar status icon. These desktop alerts improve your wireless experience with notifications when available wireless networks are in range. They also inform you when a wireless connection has been made or has been lost. Refer to
● Show a list of available networks in the area when not
Tool Tip and Desktop Alerts for more information.
connected: When Show Information Notifications is cleared, you can select this item. When the desktop alerts are disabled, this option allows you to continue to be notified of available networks when the wireless adapter is not connected.
Notify when another application uses the wireless adapter: When selected, a message is displayed when other applications are trying to manage your wireless adapter. This is helpful if you use software provided by a hotspot location (coffee shop, airport terminal). To take advantage of the Intel PROSet/Wireless features, disable this software when you leave the hotspot.
Enable TLS rejected certificates notification: Select if you want a warning issued when a PEAP-TLS certificate is rejected by the authentication server. See
TLS authentication for more information.
Enterprise Security and Set up the Client for
Auto Connect
Manage Exclusions
Wireless Networks List Show column sort headers: Select to display the column names in the
Use profiles only to connect to available networks: (Default)
Connect the wireless adapter to an available network with a matching profile from the
notified (see until a matching profile is found or you configure a new matching profile.
Connect to any available network if no matching profile found: Select to connect to a network automatically if you have not configured a profile and are at a location that has an open, unsecured wireless network. NOTE: Open networks have no security. You would need to provide your own security for this wireless connection. One way to secure an open wireless connection is with Virtual Private Networking (VPN) software.
Enable automatic exclude list feature: Select to enable the automatic exclude list feature. This feature provides a way to exclude access points from automatic connection. Refer to
information.
Enable manual exclude list feature: Select to enable the manual exclude list feature. This feature provides a way to exclude networks from automatic connection. Refer to
Wireless Networks list. Click on a column header to sort the column in either ascending or descending order.
Profiles List. If no matching profile is found, you are
Notifications). The wireless device remains disconnected
Manage Exclusions for more
Manage Exclusions for more information.
OK Cancel Help?
Save settings and return to the previous page. Closes and cancels changes. Provides help information for this page.
Intel Wireless Troubleshooter (Tools menu)
Intel Wireless Troubleshooter is an application that can help you resolve wireless network connection issues. When a connection issue is detected, a desktop alert appears at the bottom right corner of your desktop. Once you click the desktop alert, a diagnostic message displays the recommended steps to resolve the connection problem. For example, if a connection problem occurred because of an invalid password, the Profile Wizard application is launched when you click a displayed hyperlink. You can also launch Wireless Event Viewer and enable or disable alert notifications. The Intel Wireless
Troubleshooter is supported under Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Windows 2000
The Intel Wireless Troubleshooter page contains two panes. Use your left mouse button on the left pane to display a list of available tools. The right pane displays the current connection issue in a section. Each section has two parts: the error message and the recommended action. The recommended action contains descriptions about available utilities and helps to resolve the associated connection issue. If you click a help link, the help text is displayed in a window. If you click the associated issue resolution link, a program is launched to resolve the connection issue.
Refer to the Troubleshooting section for information on resolving errors.
Name Description File Help
Exit: Exits Intel Wireless Troubleshooter application. Intel(R) Wireless Troubleshooter Help: Displays online help on the
Intel Wireless Troubleshooter.
About: Displays version information for the Intel Wireless Troubleshooter.
Wireless Event Viewer
Launches Wireless Event Viewer.
Disable Notification Enable Notification Available Help
Select to disable the alert notifications. Select to enable the alert notifications. Date Time error message:
● Description of error.
● Link to resolve error (if available). See Resolve Errors for more
information.
● Link to recommended steps to resolve error.
Administrator Tool (Tools menu)
The Administrator tool is for administrators or the person who has administrator privileges on this computer. This tool allows the administrator to restrict what level of control the users of this computer have over their wireless connections. This tool is used also to configure common (shared) profiles.
Users cannot modify Administrator settings or profiles unless they have the password for this tool. A password should be chosen that is secure and not easily guessed.
You can export these settings and profiles as one package to other computers on your network. For more information, refer to the
Administrator Tool section.
Name Description Administrator Settings
An administrator can select which level of control that users have over their wireless network connections. Refer to
Administrator Profiles
Enable or disable Persistent, Pre-Logon and Voice over IP (VoIP) profiles on the computer. Refer to
Adapter Settings
An administrator can select which level of control that users have over their wireless network connections. Refer to
Software
Select which of the Intel PROSet/Wireless applications are installed on a user's computers. Refer to
Administrator packages
The Administrator Packages are used to save administrative profiles and other settings. You can copy or send this self-extracting executable to clients on your network. When it is run, the contents are installed and configured on the destination computer. Refer to
Change Password
Change the password for the Administrator Tool. See Change Password for more information.
Close Closes the page. Help?
Provides help information for this page.
Administrator Tool
Administrator Tool.
Adapter Settings.
Administrator Tool.
Administrator Tool.
Adapter Settings (Advanced menu)
The Adapter Settings displays the device properties for the wireless adapter installed on your computer. It may be either an Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection, an Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Network Connection or, an Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection.
Adapter Settings description
Name Description
Ad Hoc Channel
Unless the other computers in the ad hoc network use a different channel from the default channel, there is no need to change the channel.
Value: Select the allowed operating channel from the list.
● 802.11b/g: Select this option when 802.11b and 802.11g (2.4
GHz) ad hoc band frequency is used.
● 802.11a: Select this option when 802.11a (5 GHz) ad hoc
band frequency is used.
Ad Hoc Power Management
Set power saving features for Device to Device (ad hoc) networks.
● Disable: Select when connecting to ad hoc networks that
contain stations that do not support ad hoc power management
● Maximum Power Savings: Select to optimize battery life.
● Noisy Environment: Select to optimize performance or
connecting with multiple clients.
NOTE: This setting is unavailable if the adapter is an Intel PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Network Connection or an Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection.
Ad Hoc QoS Mode
Mixed mode protection
Power Management
Quality of Service (QoS) control in ad hoc networks. QoS provides prioritization of traffic from the access point over a wireless LAN based on traffic classification. WMM (Wifi MultiMedia) is the QoS certification of the Wi-Fi Alliance (WFA). When WMM is enabled, the adapter uses WMM to support priority tagging and queuing capabilities for Wi-Fi networks.
● WMM Enabled.(Default)
● WMM Disabled
Use to avoid data collisions in a mixed 802.11b and 802.11g environment. Request to Send/Clear to Send (RTS/CTS) should be used in an environment where clients may not hear each other. CTS­to-self can be used to gain more throughput in an environment where clients are in close proximity and can hear each other.
Allows you to select a balance between power consumption and adapter performance. The wireless adapter power settings slider sets a balance between the computer's power source and the battery.
● Use default value: (Default) Power settings are based on the
computer's power source.
● Manual: Adjust the slider for the desired setting. Use the
lowest setting for maximum battery life. Use the highest setting for maximum performance.
NOTE: Power consumption savings vary based on infrastructure settings.
Preamble Mode Changes the preamble length setting received by the access point
during an initial connection. Always use a long preamble length to connect to an access point. Auto Tx Preamble allows automatic preamble detection. If supported, short preamble should be used. If not, use long preamble (Long Tx Preamble).
Preferred Band
Select the operating band. The selections are:
● 802.11g
● 802.11a
● 802.11b
NOTE: This setting is available only for an Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection.
Roaming Aggressiveness
This setting allows you to define how aggressively your wireless client roams to improve connection to an access point.
● Default: Balanced setting between not roaming and
performance.
● Lowest: Your wireless client will not roam. Only significant link
quality degradation causes it to roam to another access point.
NOTE: This setting is unavailable if the adapter is an Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Network Connection or an Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection.
Throughput Enhancement
Transmit Power
Changes the value of the Packet Burst Control.
● Enable: Select to enable throughput enhancement.
● Disable: (Default) Select to disable throughput enhancement.
Default Setting: Highest power setting
Lowest Minimum Coverage: Set the adapter to a lowest transmit
power. Enable you to expand the number of coverage areas or confine a coverage area. Reduce the coverage area in high traffic areas to improve overall transmission quality and avoid congestion and interference with other devices.
Highest Maximum Coverage: Set the adapter to a maximum transmit power level. Select for maximum performance and range in environments with limited additional radio devices.
NOTE: The optimal setting is for a user to always set the transmit power at the lowest possible level still compatible with the quality of their communication. This allows the maximum number of wireless devices to operate in dense areas and reduce interference with other devices that this radio shares radio spectrum with.
Wireless Mode
NOTE: This setting takes effect when either Infrastructure or Ad hoc
mode is used. Select which band to use for connection to a wireless network:
● 802.11a only: Connect the wireless adapter to 802.11a
networks only
● 802.11b only: Connect the wireless adapter to 802.11b
networks only
● 802.11g only: Connect the wireless adapter to 802.11g
networks only.
● 802.11a and 802.11g only: Connect the wireless adapter to
802.11a and 802.11g networks only.
● 802.11b and 802.11g only: Connect the wireless adapter to
802.11b and 802.11g networks only
● 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g: (Default) - Connect to
either 802.11a, 802.11b or 802.11g wireless networks.
NOTE: These wireless modes (Modulation type) determine the discovered access points displayed in the
Wireless Networks list.
OK
Saves settings and returns to the previous page.
Cancel Help?
Closes and cancels any changes. Provides help information for this page.
Advanced Statistics (Advanced menu)
Provides current adapter connection information. The following describes information for the
Advanced Statistics page.
Name Description Statistics
Advanced Statistics: This information pertains to how the
adapter communicates with an access point.
Association: If the adapter finds an access point to communicate with, the value is in range. Otherwise, the value is out of range.
● AP MAC Address: The twelve digit MAC address
(00:40:96:31:1C:05) of the AP.
● Number of associations: The number of times the
access point has found the adapter.
● AP count: The number of available access points
within range of the wireless adapter.
● Number of full scans: The number of times the
adapter has scanned all channels for receiving information.
● Number of partial scans: The number of scans
that have been terminated.
Roaming: This information contains counters that are related to reasons for the adapter roaming. Roaming occurs when an adapter communicates with one access point and then communicates with another for better signal strength.
● Roaming Count: The number of times that roaming
occurred.
● AP did not transmit: The adapter did not receive
radio transmission from the access point. You may need to reset the access point.
● Poor beacon quality: The signal quality is too low
to sustain communication with the access point. You have moved the adapter outside the coverage area of the access point or the access point's device address information has been changed.
● AP load balancing: The access point ended its
association with the adapter based on the access point's inability to maintain communication with all its associated adapters. Too many adapters are trying to communicate with one access point.
● AP RSSI too low: The Receive Signal Strength
Indicator (RSSI) is too low to maintain an association with the adapter. You may have moved outside the coverage area of the access point or the
access point could have increased its data rate.
● Poor channel quality: The quality of the channel is
low and caused the adapter to look for another access point.
● AP dropped mobile unit: The access point dropped
a computer from the list of recognizable mobile devices. The computer must re-associate with an access point.
Miscellaneous: Use this information to determine if an association with a different access point increases performance and helps maintain the highest possible data rate.
● Received Beacons: Number beacons received by
the adapter.
● Percent missed Beacons: Percent value for missed
beacons.
● Percent transmit errors: The percentage of data
transmissions that had errors.
● Signal Strength: Signal strength of the access
point which the adapter communicates with.
Transmit/Receive (Tx/Rx)
Displays percent values for non-directed and directed packets.
Statistics
Total host packets: The sum total number of directed and
non-directed packets counts.
● Transmit - (Mbps)
● Receive - (Mbps)
Non-directed packets: The number of received packets broadcast to the wireless network.
Directed packets: The number of received packets sent specifically to the wireless adapter.
Total Bytes: The total number of bytes for packets received and sent by the wireless adapter.
Reset Statistics Resets the adapter statistical counters back to zero and begins
taking new data measurements.
Close Help?
Closes and returns to the main window. Provides help information for this page.
Use Windows to manage Wi-Fi (Advanced menu)
The Microsoft Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration feature provides a built-in wireless configuration utility. This feature can be enabled and disabled within Intel PROSet/Wireless or click Use Windows to manage Wi-Fi on the
Zero Configuration is enabled, the features in Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless are disabled.
Tools menu or the Taskbar menu. If Windows XP Wireless
Import or Export Profiles (Profiles menu)
Import Profiles into the Profile List
Import wireless profiles automatically into the Profiles List. This is accomplished by Intel (R) PROSet/Wireless monitoring the import folder on your hard disk for new profile files. Only profiles that have been enabled through Enable Auto-Import in the
imported. If a profile of the same name already exists in the Profiles List, you are notified to either reject the imported profile, or accept it. If accepted, the existing profile is replaced. All imported user­based profiles are placed at the bottom of the Profiles List, and the profile file is immediately deleted from your hard disk after it is the imported, whether the import was successful or not.
Password Protected Profiles
Import and export password protected user-based profiles automatically to remote systems. If a profile is password protected, before it can be edited, the assigned password must be entered. Refer to
Set a Password Protect for more information.
Import/Export Description
Name Description
Advanced Settings are automatically
Export profiles Step 1: Select one or more profiles to export from your profile list
below:
Select individual or multiple profiles from the list. The profile mode icon indicates either infrastructure or ad hoc mode is being used, and if security is being used.
Step 2: Export the selected profile: Click Export to save your profiles to a selected directory.
Step 3: Select the destination folder. Click Browse to search your hard disk for the destination directory. The C:\ drive is the default directory. Select the drive and directory. Click OK. Click OK to return to the Profiles page.
Import profiles
OK Help?
Select individual or multiple profiles to imports Profiles list.
1. Click Import to search your hard disk for profiles to import.
2. Select the profile from the selected drive or directory
3. Click Import. You are notified when the selected profile as been successfully imported.
4. Click OK to return to the Profiles page.
Click Cancel to close and cancel any changes. Saves settings and returns to the previous page. Provides help information for this page.
Manage Exclusions (Profiles menu)
Exclude List Management is available when you either select Manage Exclusions from the Profiles menu or click the
IMPORTANT: You are not automatically connected to a network or an access point that is in this list.
Use Exclude List Management to exclude entire wireless networks (SSID). For networks with more then one access point, you may exclude an individual wireless access point (BSSID).
Properties button on the Wireless Networks list.
Name Description
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